Q&A ยท 3:13:18-3:14:30

Would Britain tolerate German expansion eastward?

Without a German naval challenge or an invasion of Belgium, Britain might tolerate a war directed against Russia or a limited defeat of France.

Question

If Germany left the naval race, how much eastward or continental expansion would Britain tolerate?

Short answer

Britain might tolerate war against Russia or a limited defeat of France, but an invasion of Belgium or domination of France would be much more likely to trigger intervention.

Notes

Withdrawal from the naval race could force Germany to reconsider its strategy. In this scenario Britain would tolerate a German war directed eastward against Russia, given poor Anglo-Russian relations during much of the period. A German advance through France after absorbing a French attack is also treated as less likely to draw Britain in if it avoids Belgium. The Franco-Prussian precedent allows for a limited defeat of France, while taking over France or threatening the Channel would exceed that tolerance. The result depends on Germany's conduct and territorial aims after abandoning the naval challenge.